West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Sheffield City Region have together agreed a funding uplift of 4.7 per cent to save Northern College.
The college, which is one of just two institutions in England to offer residential courses to adults, will now be able to continue to offer that provision to West Yorkshire residents.
The deal will be a welcome relief to the college, which was being severely threatened by the government’s decision to introduce a clawback threshold of 90 per cent for adult education funding - an increase from 63 per cent last year.
Opinion: It’s one step forward and two back for adult education
More: FE funding clawback could lead to staff and course cuts
Background: West Midlands has no plans to claw back AEB funds
Last week, the West Midlands Combined Authority told Tes that it will not be following the government’s clawback decision for its devolved budget and will instead seek to work with the colleges to understand any issues around delivery.
Spokespeople from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority told Tes that the authorities were committed to providing inclusive learning to people from all backgrounds and at all abilities.
Funding plan to save Northern College
A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Northern College provides an invaluable service to learners and we recognise the unique contribution it makes for the people and communities of Yorkshire.
“We have agreed with our colleagues in Sheffield City Region to carry forward a residential uplift of 4.7 per cent in 2021-22 to provide clarity and continuity for learners, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds and benefit enormously from the opportunities that residential courses provide.”
The college has been the subject of a government review and funding audit after claims of “errors” being made costing £1.2 million in 2018-19, and 2019-20.
The Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA) has asked interim FE commissioner Frances Wadsworth to undertake a diagnostic assessment, structure and prospect appraisal. This could leave the college with no option but to merge, and Tes understands that Barnsley College is being touted as a potential merger partner.
A Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority spokesperson said the authority was working with partners to “secure a sustainable future for the college.”
They said: “We value Northern College’s contribution as part of South Yorkshire’s adult education offer. We’re working with the college and other partners, including West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to achieve a positive outcome through the further education commissioner’s structure and prospects appraisal and to secure a sustainable future for the college.
“The ESFA has confirmed that the 4.7 per cent uplift for residential funding will remain in place for 2021-22 and we are aligning our approach with this decision for the first year of devolved funding. This will allow the college to continue offering essential residential courses.
“We are committed to providing inclusive learning to people from all backgrounds and abilities. Residential courses offer opportunities to many people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and we will do everything we can to make sure this service can continue.”
Sue Pember, director of policy at Holex, said: “This decision from Sheffield City Region and West Yorkshire is welcome. However, it is hoped that all options are considered, including Northern College continuing to operate as a standalone charity, and it is not forced into a merger that compromises its core mission.”
